EU Court Rules Google Abused Market Power by Blocking App on Android Auto

The Court of Justice of the EU upheld Italy's antitrust decision, setting a precedent for interoperability requirements in dominant tech platforms.

The EU's top court ruled that Google's refusal to allow Enel's JuicePass app access to Android Auto constituted an abuse of its dominant market position.
The case originated from a 2021 €100 million fine imposed by Italy's antitrust authority for Google's actions against the e-mobility app.
The court clarified that dominant companies must ensure interoperability unless justified by security concerns, technical limitations, or lack of an existing app template.
Google has since provided the requested feature but expressed disappointment with the ruling, arguing that the app was initially relevant to only a small percentage of users.
This ruling establishes broader guidelines for interoperability and could influence future cases involving dominant tech platforms across the EU.